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Programme of events

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers: 6th Annual Conference

PLACES AVAILABLE: Open to all

About the event:

This annual conference, jointly organised by the United Nations Association, Westminster Branch and RUSI, and supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has established itself as one of the UK’s most authoritative reviews of UN peacekeeping activities.

‘Understanding and Effectively Tackling New Peacekeeping Challenges’

UK commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan has resulted in its reduced participation in UN and EU peacekeeping and policing operations. This has led some to question the spread of its knowledge and even the strength of its links with these continuing operations. Speakers will review challenges in this field and introduce novel solutions from other countries. 

Featured speakers and topics include:

Dr Bruce Jones, Director, Centre for International Co-operation, New York University and Editor, Annual Review of Global Peace Operations
6th Folke Bernadotte Lecture
‘Peacekeeping in Crisis? The Changing Politics of Peace Operations’

The 2008 Annual Review of Global Peace Operations criticised the UN Security Council for authorising new peacekeeping missions despite warnings that demands on troop contributors were overtaking their ability to deliver. Now, UN Peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy oversees 18 peace missions worldwide deploying 112,000 personnel. Has the UN’s capacity here reached its limits? The 2009 report warns of ‘the steady blurring of the lines between peacekeeping and war fighting’ as evidenced by the near collapse last October of the peacekeeping mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo. France and the UK are sponsoring a new UN peacekeeping review in an era of financial stringency but is this the right way to approach such challenges?
 

Colin Smith, Former Assistant Chief Constable, Hampshire Constabulary and UK Chief Police Adviser, Iraq
‘European Security Strategy - Providing Security in a Changing World’

EU missions in the Balkans, the Caucasus, the Middle East, Asia and Africa contribute to security sector reform and police training initiatives where trained civilians are required. UK police, many hailing from senior ranks, have been deployed to Kosovo, the Gaza border, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Georgia. In March 2009, the UK warned the EU that ‘budgetary constraints’ may force it to slash its contributions to these operations, leading commentators to claim ‘this will have negative consequences far wider than the erosion of the UK’s foreign policy clout, although that will certainly follow’. Member States' commitments needed to implement EU security strategy will be outlined and options for the UK to fully play its part in this will be discussed.

Brigadier General Ali Al Mahasneh, Jordanian Armed Forces
‘Jordan’s Armed Forces; Responding to Today's New Challenges’

Jordan’s military and police forces have for many years contributed well trained contingents to UN peacekeeping operations. Jordan participated in the Swedish-led Challenges programme and has shown commendable flexibility during the deployment of troops serving in Croatia alongside a French contingent. This led to the growth of French speaking troops and subsequent deployment with the UN in Cote D’Ivoire and Haiti.

Rodolfo Cerviño, Minister, Argentinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
‘From New Orleans to Gaza; Lessons Learned in Building an Effective Rapid Response Force’

The Comisión Cascos Blancos (White Helmets) is a humanitarian aid agency set up in 1993, which was subsequently adopted into the structures of the UN and the Organization of American States. They have participated in natural or man-made disasters and socio-economic crises including containing forest fires in Brazil (1998); disaster management in Honduras after Hurricane Mitch (1999); demobilisation and de-mining in Rwanda; post-earthquake reconstruction in India (2001); humanitarian aid in Bam, Iran (2003); trauma counseling in New Orleans and most recently, the deployment of surgeons to work in the hospital Khan Junis, Gaza. The White Helmets Commission has a tradition of cohesion and continuity which has few European equivalents. 

Cenotaph Memorial

Members of the diplomatic community and other organisations will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph at 1300 in remembrance of those from the 117 participating nations who have been killed whilst serving as UN peacekeepers.

The conference fee of £40 (including VAT), with a reduced rate of £20 for students, includes related documents, lunch and refreshments.

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